UN Human Rights Chief Calls for Compliance with International Law in Occupied Palestinian Territory

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has emphasized the importance of complying with international law in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in light of the recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to Turk, Israel, as the occupying power, and all other states, must respect and uphold the human rights of Palestinians, including their right to life, freedom from torture, and liberty and security. Turk's statement underscores the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to transform into enduring peace, anchored in human rights and international law.

Key Takeaways:

• Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on Israel and other states to comply with international law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has reaffirmed that international human rights law applies alongside international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• Israeli occupation is bound to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of Palestinians, including their right to life, freedom from torture, and liberty and security.
• The ICJ specifically highlighted the rights to self-determination, protection of the family, an adequate standard of living, health, education, and freedom from discrimination.
• Turk emphasized that saving lives and providing much-needed aid to Gaza should be the priority.
• The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for a ceasefire in Gaza to transform into enduring peace, anchored in human rights and international law.

Statistics:

• The ICJ has reaffirmed the application of international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• The ICJ has highlighted the specific human rights of Palestinians, including the right to life, freedom from torture, and liberty and security.
• The ICJ has emphasized the importance of Israel's obligations under international law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• The ICJ's Advisory Opinion has underlined that international human rights law applies alongside international humanitarian law.

Sources:

• Kuwait News Agency, "UN Human Rights Chief calls for compliance with International Law in Occupied Palestinian Territory" (24 Oct 2025)